Scotch
Points, teams, and presses. Golf's ultimate gambling game.
The Basics
A points-based team game where two teams of two compete for points on every hole. Points are awarded for things like lowest individual score, best team total, closest to the pin, and birdies. Teams compare points each hole — only the difference carries over.
How to Play
Each player plays their own ball. At the end of every hole, points are awarded based on the variant you're playing. Compare team points — if your team earns 3 and the other earns 1, you net 2. Ties wash. The team with the lead always tees off first.
Scoring
Scoring varies by variant: 5-Point (Standard): Low ball (1), Team total (1), Prox (1), Fewest putts (1), Birdie (1). 5-Point (No Putts): Low ball (1), Team total (2), Prox (1), Birdie (1). 6-Point: Low ball (2), Team total (2), Prox (1), Birdie (1). Win all six = double. 7-Point: Low ball (2), Team total (2), Prox (1), Birdie (1), Scramble/up-and-down (1).
Example Scorecard
Strategy Tips
Agree on your point system, press rules, and blitz rules before the first tee. Scotch has a million house rules — every group plays it a little differently, and that's part of the fun. Consistency beats heroics in Scotch. Your partner needs you to make par.
Variations
Blitz/Umbrella (sweep all points = double), Press (losing team doubles stakes), Game Press (stays on for the rest of the nine), Keep/Take (bonus points for momentum). Most groups in Chicago play some version of 5 or 6-point with presses.